Five Ancient Greek Herbs and How We Use Them Today

Greek Reporter ^ | July 3, 2022 | Kerry Kolasa-Sikiaridi

[nickcarraway]

Greece is known today for its herbs that are used in teas and homeopathic remedies. But did you know that there are many herbs that the ancient Greeks used that are still popular in Greece today?

The five herbs below were gathered for their vast range of medicinal, superstitious, and culinary attributes thousands of years ago in ancient Greece, and they are still used today.

Herbs can be found growing wild all across Greece, with their scents perfuming the air, and they are particularly well-suited to the country’s mountain slopes and green fields.

Ancient Greek herbs used today Oregano (Rigani)

Besides being one of the most popular herbs for Greek cuisine in modern times, back in ancient Greece, this herb was thought to bring good luck and good health as well as symbolize joy.

Grecian Delight supports Greece Greeks would plant oregano around their houses in hopes of warding off evil spirits. Also, it is said that ancient Greeks would wear a wreath of oregano on their head during sleep to encourage interesting dreams!

Dill (Anithos)

Dill is used in many Greek dishes, including salads and the famous Greek spinach pie known as “spanakopita.”

However, in ancient Greece, it was used for its medicinal properties such as healing wounds, burns, and helping promote sleep when placed over the eyes before bed.

Mint (Menta)

According to Greek myth, this herb gets its name from Minthe, the water nymph for whom Hades, the God of the Underworld, developed a fondness. When his wife, Persephone, learned that Hades was interested in Minthe, she turned her into an herb.

Mint is used today, as it was in ancient times, for tea which is believed to aid in indigestion, nerve disorders, dizziness, sore throats, coughs, headaches, and insomnia.

Sideritis, Greek Mountain tea (Tsai tou Vounou)

This homeopathic herbal tea is used throughout Greece to ease symptoms of illnesses, such as the common cold and sore throats among other things. Sideritis is commonly known as “Tsai tou Vounou,” and its name is derived from the word iron, (Sideron).

Back in ancient Greece, it was used to heal wounds caused by iron arrows and swords. Hippocrates often prescribed it as a tonic.

Basil (Vassilikos)

Basil comes from the Greek word “Vasilias,” meaning king.

The popular herb is said to have first grown on the original cross of Christ. In ancient times, basil was placed in the hands of the dead to guide them safely to the afterlife and ensure that the gates of heaven opened for them.

Basil was also commonly hung on doors,= to bring good luck and wealth. Nowadays, it is used in many Greek dishes, something which ironically only started in the last century.

Additionally, many Greeks have basil plants in their gardens, as they keep mosquitos away.

[packagingguy]

Basil, a late Saturday night pizza with basil pesto sauce sounds good. Prevents Alzheimer’s:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211005101827.htm

[Fungi]

“Ancient” and used everyday. Ancient in this context means nothing, similar to “evolution,” it’s just what the author needs to say. Grow them, harvest them, even found wild or wherever you look, and good for your health. Eat them raw.

[jjotto]

And the ancient Greek herbal preparation trademarked as Windex…

[Some Fat Guy in L.A.]

Herbs can be found growing wild all across Greece

And pretty much anywhere else. I had an abundance of wild peppermint and wild garlic in my yard where I grew up in suburban Pittsburgh. Used to smell like an Italian kitchen when I cut the grass.

[Deaf Smith]

ping

[Veto!]

All are yummy.

Thanks for info on health bennies. Will buy more and use them liberally.
I had a weeklong tour of Greece many years ago. Loved the buildings, the people, the hotels, but the food was far, far too salty for me. Ended up stopping at markets and buying fresh fruit and veggies to eat.

[antceecee]

😍😂

[BigEdLB]

Sideritis? Unfamiliar. The other four are very common

[RummyChick]

Used for alzheimers

[RebelTXRose]

L8r

[Savage Beast]

A good rule of thumb is this: If you can tell what it is, you've used too much.

I love dill--BUT ONLY IF IT'S USED VERY SPARINGLY. Dill can easily overpower and ruin a good dish.

I love oregano. I put it in damn near everything. This breaks the rule for me because I've never thought there was too much oregano.

Mint grows all around my house. I like it but hardly ever used it. Maybe my actions say more than my words.

I like basil too, but only when used very sparingly.

I've never heard of sideritic. I'll be looking forward to discovering it.

I like to put lots of different herbs in salads--sparingly, of course--but I love the differing flavors as they unfold randomly.

My mother was the worst cook I've ever known. She didn't believe in any herbs, garlic, etc. I learned never to complement her on anything because, if I did, I'd get it 24/7 until I yelled Uncle! She discovered paprika; she put it in everything.

My wife is an excellent cook, but she hates to cook, departing from the ancient notion that one loves what one does well.

My son and my son-in-law are excellent cooks. I wish I were, but I'm not. I'm too much like my mother.

I loved reading Peg Bracken's I Hate To Cook Book. She also said she didn't go for lots of stuff like that but that if you leave chili our of chili or curry out of curry, you don't have much left. If you haven't read Peg's book and also her I Hate to Clean House Book, they're hilarious and full of good tips.

As for bringing good luck or driving away evil spirits, I can't help feeling a bit skeptical, but, on the other hand, I have had nothing but good luck and something has driven all the evil spirits away from my family and me; so maybe the ancient Greeks were onto something!

[seowulf]

Please pass the hemlock....wait, that wasn’t on the list.

-Socrates’ last words.

[SunkenCiv]

[GOPJ]

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